Muong Hum & Y Ty photography tour – Hidden paradise

Landscape photography in Y Ty

Muong Hum & Y Ty: Hidden Gems for Unforgettable Shots

Among our Vietnam photography tours, Muong Hum and Y Ty stand out as must-see highlights, thanks to their untouched, otherworldly landscapes. Starting from Hanoi, the new highway takes you to Lao Cai in just 4.5 hours, followed by a scenic 1.5-hour drive to the Muong Hum-Y Ty region. Along the way, you’ll witness a breathtaking panorama of mountains, lush forests, terraced rice fields, and traditional hill-tribe communities—all offering incredible photographic opportunities.

Muong Hum and Y Ty remain off the beaten path, free from mass tourism, and rich with authentic cultural and natural beauty. This exclusivity has made it a favorite destination for Vietnamese photographers seeking to capture the country’s finest landscapes. If you’re considering a Vietnam photography tour, this is an experience you don’t want to miss, especially during the prime photography months of May to June and September to October, when the rice terraces are at their most vibrant.

Join us to explore the pristine beauty of Muong Hum and Y Ty and elevate your portfolio with unique, unforgettable shots

Photography the rice terraces of Muong Hum and Y Ty

Muong Hum and Y Ty, nestled in Vietnam’s northern highlands, are a paradise for photographers, renowned for their breathtaking rice terraces and dramatic mountain backdrops that make them a highlight of any Vietnam photo tour. For centuries, ethnic minority communities have shaped these mountains into terraced steps for rice cultivation, and during the rainy season, the terraces transform into natural mirrors, reflecting the sky, clouds, and farmers at work. This mesmerizing “mirror effect” creates endless opportunities for landscape photography, with scenes that evolve beautifully throughout the day, offering a dynamic canvas for your lens. What makes this experience truly special is the authentic rural life unfolding before your eyes—farmers hand-transplanting seedlings into the mud, their labor painting a living stage for your creativity. The terraces stretch endlessly, ensuring every corner reveals a new composition, a fresh story waiting to be captured

Market shooting on our Vietnam photography tours to Muong Hum and Y Ty

Every Sunday, Muong Hum Market comes alive, offering a kaleidoscope of colors, sounds, and traditions. This bustling hub is a treasure trove for photographers, showcasing the rich heritage of ethnic minorities against the stunning backdrop of rolling hills.

From 5:00 a.m., locals gather to trade handmade goods, silver jewelry, and medicinal herbs, creating a dynamic scene perfect for storytelling photography. Capture the essence of rural mountain life as women barter, men share stories over steaming bowls of noodle soup, and the air fills with the aroma of traditional foods.

Muong Hum Market is a timeless experience, offering endless opportunities to document Vietnam’s cultural diversity. Whether you’re drawn to vibrant costumes, candid moments, or the authentic rhythms of local life, this photo tour is a must for any photography enthusiast.

People photography on our Vietnam photo tours to Muong Hum and Y Ty

On this photography tour, you’ll photograph the ethnic Ha Nhi people—the artists behind the stunning rice terraces. Known for their friendliness, the locals welcome candid photography as they work in the fields, trade in markets, and live in their unique “Trinh Tuong” houses. These mushroom-shaped homes, with earthen walls and grass roofs, create an abstract, photogenic scene against the misty mountains.

The Ha Nhi, one of Vietnam’s smallest ethnic groups, live a traditional life rooted in agriculture and forestry. Their black-and-blue traditional costumes and daily routines offer endless opportunities for Vietnam travel photography.

This tour blends landscape photography with cultural immersion, offering a unique chance to capture the essence of mountain life. Don’t miss this unforgettable photo tour to Muong Hum and Y Ty.

Trip summary

Tour duration
May 11-16 (6 days)

Accommodation
Local home stay or hotel

Trip route
Please click here

Level of difficulty
Moderate

Tour cost
Contact us

Group size
06 (max)

Transportation
Private van (with driver & all fuel included)

The photography tour itinerary

The itinerary

Vietnam Photography Tour Itinerary: Muong Hum & Y Ty hidden paradise

Day 1: May 11 – Scenic Journey to Muong Hum
Kick off your Vietnam photography tour with a picturesque drive from Hanoi to Muong Hum. After checking into your hotel and taking a moment to relax, we’ll embark on an exploration of the breathtaking surroundings. Capture the majestic landscape as we travel along elevated roads that offer stunning views of terraced rice fields. This afternoon is dedicated to landscape photography, setting the stage for the beautiful sights ahead.

Day 2: Market Vibes & Rice Terraces
This morning, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Muong Hum Market, a colorful weekly gathering that comes alive every Sunday. Experience the rich cultural tapestry of local tribal costumes and artisanal products, a tradition that has thrived for centuries. Following the market, we’ll venture to Den Sang Valley, a prominent rice-producing region famed for its dramatic rice terraces. May is the perfect time to photograph shimmering landscapes as seasonal rains fill the terraces, creating enchanting reflections across the hills.

Days 3 & 4: Discover Y Ty’s Landscapes
On Day 3, our Vietnam photography tour will plant roots in the stunning Y Ty, known for its surreal landscapes where mountains, clouds, and tranquil hamlets intertwine. Capture breathtaking vistas and the daily lives of local people. We will take you to hidden gems in Y Ty’s breathtaking scenery that promise photographers unique perspectives. On the night of Day 4, enjoy a cozy stay in a homestay in Lao Chai, boasting panoramic views of a lush valley that invites reflection and photography at dawn and dusk.

Days 5 & 6: Photography in Lao Chai Village
Day 5 will be spent capturing the picturesque village life of Lao Chai, home to the culturally rich H’mong people. Engage with the locals as we photograph their daily activities in the agricultural landscapes that surround this charming village. The magnificent backdrop of northern Vietnam’s mountains offers an array of stunning compositions, perfect for photographers seeking to capture both people and their environment. On Day 6, we’ll conclude our Vietnam photography tour with a return to Hanoi, enriched by the stunning memories and visuals collected from Muong Hum and Y Ty.

Cost & coverage

Inclusions

English speaking photographic guide & air-con private car/driver
Accommodation in private room wherever applicable
Meals as indicated in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
All entry fees
Permission for staying overnight at border area
Tipping for driver

Exclusions

Personal expenses (drinks, phone, laundry, etc)
Items not listed in the Inclusions

Additional information

Temperature

Y Ty lies at 1600 meters (4800 fts) above sea level and summer temperature (May – Sep) varies from 16 – 26C (61 – 78 F). The rest of the year temperature varies from 7-15 C (44 – 59 F). Clouds can come and go, and might be accompanied by wind. A wind stopper is suggested in the summer and warm clothes are musts at other times of the year.

Accommodation & food

Y Ty is still a distance from the reach or urbanization. Life goes on the same way as it has been, with the locals largely depend on agricultural products. Consequently, roads are not well paved and accommodation options are simple. There are local hosts who have enlarged their living space to accommodate travelers. Recently, the newly built Y Ty Lodge provides better accommodation standard. This is also the accommodation we pick up for our Vietnam photography tours.

Food is fairly simple and western food is out of the question. Food vary around rice, meat, veges and tofu. We do our best to make sure food is cooked well before served. The good thing is food are all organic.

The bottom line is: It’s important to understand that this is a photography tour to Y Ty, a beautiful yet remote regions. There will be lots of opportunities to capture great shots. But one needs to be adventurous and travel with an open heart and mind.

Photography time

There will be times that we rise early (around 5:00 am to be in the right photography spot). Other times we might not return to our accommodation till dusk or later. Usually on bright sunny days, we avoid shooting between 11:00 am – 2:30 pm. Obviously these “flat” photos won’t do a justice. Additionally the locals are at their lunch break indoor.

All our scheduled Vietnam photography tours are packages. We receive 04 - 06 people before the tour can depart. Should you prefer to make the tour private (i.e. for you only or for your party only) please feel free to send us an email to sales@momentlives.com. Thank you.

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